Workforce & Demographics

Supporting Big Business with a Trustworthy Workforce

Abilene is a community of driven individuals out to prove that their city is a strong contender for top industries — from manufacturing to life sciences to technology. Abilene also benefits from the highly-skilled veteran workforce from the nearby Dyess Air Force Base, as well as graduates from three private universities, technical college, and the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Abilene’s population increased by almost 7% from 2010-2019, and with an average unemployment rate of 4.9%, Abilene continues to hold strong against the national average. Home to several emerging and fast-growing industries, including wind energy, advanced manufacturing, aerospace and aviation, Abilene’s strong and steady employment base is made up of 140,000 skilled workers.

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The City of Abilene Workforce Solutions Texas Workforce Commission

Successful industries call for a skilled workforce. Explore Abilene’s Key Industries.

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Workforce Data

Abilene Advantages

Fast Facts

Workforce Development

Talent Where It’s Needed

Home to four universities, a technical college, and a community college, Abilene boasts the necessary education to support future industry needs. Abilene’s education partners work to provide our local businesses a way to create and grow workforce organically, including starting programs that work directly with primary education institutions. The Abilene Independent School District’s Leadership and Innovative Future Technologies (LIFT) Center is a state-of-the-art center home to career and technical education programs as well as the Academy of Technology, Engineering, Math and Science High School.

students working in the computer lab of a facility

Veteran Community

Ready. Willing. Able.

With 6,005 men and women employed by Dyess Air Force Base in 2019, it’s inevitable that Abilene’s veteran population is so large. Currently there are 3,456 military retirees accessing Dyess Air Force Base, contributing their diverse skills sets to every aspect of our community. In 2019, Abilene became the ninth city in America to find housing for all homeless veterans.

man with freedom shirt working with heavy machinery

Texas Tech Health Sciences Center

A Community-Minded Workforce

More than 50 community pharmacies throughout the city of Abilene find partnership with Texas Tech Health Sciences Center, one of the top employers in Abilene, increasing the research, education and healthcare throughout the region. The university’s Jerry H. School of Pharmacy is also ranked among the top 20 pharmacy programs in the nation.

Young Professionals

A Fresh Perspective

With a median age of 33.8, Abilene’s communities are full of engaged individuals that fuel innovation and new ideas throughout the city. West Central Texas’ heavy concentration of universities like Abilene Christian University, Hardin-Simmons University and McMurry University boost the city’s fresh perspectives and deepen the talent and workforce pools.

Featured Media

Press Release

The Development Corporation of Abilene Receives Economic Excellence Recognition by The Texas Economic Development Council

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Article

2023 State Of The Year: Opportunity Awaits In Texas

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Development Corporation of Abilene is a proud recipient of the following recognition: